Mullvad vs ExpressVPN in 2025: Pricing & Performance Compared 

By Arthur Sabayi

Last update: November 1, 2024

Quick Summary: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad

Quick Summary: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad

The main difference between Mullvad and ExpressVPN is that ExpressVPN works with more devices, has a friendlier user interface, unblocks more streaming services and offers better customer support. However, Mullvad offers the ultimate privacy through cash payments. 

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

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You can test out ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Mullvad VPN and ExpressVPN feature on our list of the best VPNs for a few reasons. They secure your online privacy, unblock restricted content and offer amazing speeds. However, these two VPNs offer different strengths and weaknesses. In this Mullvad vs ExpressVPN comparison, I look at what sets them apart and where they converge.

I investigated each one based on several criteria, including device compatibility, speeds, key features, security and privacy, logging policies, streaming capabilities, pricing and customer support.

I examined all these factors using real-time tests in as many cases as possible, and conducted careful research for all other categories. If you’re unsure about which of these two virtual private networks to go with, then read this article to the end.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

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   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries
2. 

   Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

   Visit Mullvad
   Money-Back Guarantee

   30 Days

   Worldwide Server Amount

   Over 760 servers in 63 countries

Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: Comparison at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here’s a comparison of the two VPN providers at a glance.

What Is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a VPN based in the British Virgin Islands, and although it’s owned by Kape Technologies, it is a service I’ve found overwhelmingly reliable for data privacy. It backs up its no-logs policy with regular published audits and RAM-only servers. 

ExpressVPN also barely impacts browsing speeds and features a large server network for bypassing restricted content. It’s an excellent VPN for beginners.

What Is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad is an independently owned VPN service based in Sweden that has been operational since 2009. It has not experienced any breaches since it started providing services. Mullvad has RAM-only servers and proved that it stands by its no-logs policy when Swedish authorities raided it in 2023. They did not find any user data stored anywhere.

Mullvad VPN is more than capable of providing everything you need. It even rivals better-known services like ExpressVPN in some areas, as you’ll learn in this comparison.

My Expert Opinion: Is ExpressVPN or Mullvad Better?

ExpressVPN is better than Mullvad, but the gap is narrow. ExpressVPN has more protocols, including the proprietary Lightway protocol, but uses the same security. Neither ExpressVPN nor Mullvad has had a server breached by hackers, and both use RAM-only servers, making their privacy policies that much more trustworthy.

One of the key advantages ExpressVPN has over Mullvad is the availability of automatic obfuscation. ExpressVPN connects you to an obfuscated server the moment it detects VPN blocks, regardless of the protocol you’re using. With Mullvad, you have to turn it on manually, and can’t obfuscate with OpenVPN on iOS or Android.

ExpressVPN is also superior in terms of device compatibility, with each subscription permitting up to eight simultaneous device connections. Mullvad allows only five simultaneous connections per account. ExpressVPN also wins in the categories of server network size, torrenting, streaming and customer support.

ExpressVPN Pros and Cons:

I Recommend ExpressVPN For:

• People who need flexibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with more devices than Mullvad and supports up to eight simultaneous device connections. 
• Streaming: You can unblock almost every major streaming service from most parts of the world. 
• VPN Beginners: ExpressVPN largely bakes in most of its features into every server, and you can connect in one click. 

Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

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Check out our ExpressVPN review for more details.

Mullvad Pros and Cons:

I Recommend Mullvad For:

• People who need only one month of service: Mullvad VPN has very affordable one-month plans at 5 euros ($5.50) per month at any duration. 
• Technical users: Some Mullvad features are less intuitive than ExpressVPN and often require additional configurations; however, they offer a higher level of control. 
• Privacy: Mullvad VPN offers two kill switches that protect your IP address from exposure online. Furthermore, it allows anonymous signups and cash payments. 

Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

Visit Mullvad

You can find more details in our Mullvad VPN review.

VPN Apps & Device Compatibility

Mullvad VPN has apps for the usual suspects: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. However, The Mullvad browser extension is compatible only with the Firefox browser. Plus, you can manually install Mullvad on some DD-WRT routers.

ExpressVPN has a better compatibility range than Mullvad. It has one of the largest selections of dedicated apps, including Windows, macOS, Linus, Android, iOS, many routers, Chromebook, Kindle Fire, plus multiple browser extensions. 

ExpressVPN offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and Vivaldi. Check out our article on the best VPN Chrome extension for a better breakdown of how ExpressVPN works with browsers.

Winner: ExpressVPN wins this round, as it is compatible with more devices than Mullvad VPN.

Speed

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN services, with only a few competitors rivaling it. However, Mullvad VPN isn’t too shabby, either. I conducted tests for both services; check out the results below.

ExpressVPN Speed Tests

ExpressVPN averaged 48.22 Mbps against my unprotected speeds of 60 Mbps, a 19.64% speed loss. Most of my overall average losses came from the outlier in South Africa — without that, even the worldwide average loss would be insignificant. I also want to point out that the slowest server in South Africa still handled basic browsing without too many issues. 

Mullvad Speed Tests

The Mullvad VPN servers I tested ran slower faster than ExpressVPN’s, averaging 40.23 Mbps on my unprotected speeds of 60 Mbps. This represented a 32.94% speed loss, but was still well within the bounds for streaming in HD without buffering and downloading large files quickly.

Winner: It’s a tie. ExpressVPN wins the download speed contest by a small margin, making it a better option for streaming, but Mullvad has better latency and upload speeds for gaming and torrenting.

Features

Mullvad VPN and ExpressVPN share some features. 

Split Tunneling: Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN

The first is split tunneling, which allows you to choose the traffic and apps you want to route through the VPN. ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on Windows, macOS 10 and below, Android and routers, while Mullvad VPN offers it on Windows, Linux, macOS and Android.

Kill Switch: Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN

Another common feature is the kill switch, which disables your internet connection whenever your VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed, even temporarily.

On ExpressVPN, this feature is called “network lock” and is available on Windows, Linux, macOS and routers. On Android and iOS, it’s called “network protection,” but it’s the same feature.

Mullvad offers a kill switch on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It goes a step further than ExpressVPN by adding an extra kill switch option called “lockdown mode,” which prevents your device from accessing the internet until you connect to a Mullvad VPN server. 

Blocking Features: Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN

Both VPNs also have ad blockers. ExpressVPN’s ad blocker prevents pop-up ads, and its threat manager blocks trackers and malicious sites. The parental control feature blocks adult sites. You can access these features on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and ExpressVPN Aircove. However, ExpressVPN for Apple TV is equipped only with a tracker blocker.

Mullvad has DNS content blockers that are accessible in the VPN app settings. When these are enabled, Mullvad stops the device from contacting domains and websites known for ads, malware, trackers, adult sites, gambling sites and social media. As with ExpressVPN, you can toggle the types of content it blocks at any time.

Distinct Features: ExpressVPN Keys, ExpressVPN Aircove, Mullvad DAITA, Obfuscation

There are some features both VPNs don’t share. ExpressVPN has ExpressVPN Keys, a built-in password manager that also manages your credit card details and notes on multiple devices. It alerts you of data breaches and compromised passwords. The company also offers Aircove, a pre-installed VPN router that’s far easier to use than a router dashboard.

Mullvad VPN has Defense Against AI-guided Analysis (DAITA) that counters sophisticated traffic analysis technologies capable of sneaking past VPN encryption. You can use DAITA on Windows 10 and 11.

Finally, while both VPNs have obfuscation, it’s simpler and faster on ExpressVPN than on Mullvad. ExpressVPN automatically activates obfuscation when you encounter VPN censorship while Mullvad VPN needs a Shadowsocks app and a v2ray plugin to be installed and configured first.

Winner: This was a tight race. Mullvad’s kill switch and blocker are more flexible, and DAITA is a forward-looking feature. However, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation, password manager and router are so convenient that it takes this round in a photo finish.

Server Locations

The quantity and quality of a VPN’s servers determine not only what you can unblock but also how quickly you can unblock it. ExpressVPN and Mullvad are equipped with thousands of servers around the globe, but ExpressVPN offers a more widespread network with more than double the country options. 

ExpressVPN Server Spread

Below is a table detailing where ExpressVPN’s servers are located. The wide range makes it a top-three VPN provider if you’re aiming to get Netflix unblocked.

ExpressVPN has 163 server locations in 105 countries, which is larger than Mullvad’s distribution. It has six locations in Africa, which is more than what most VPNs offer. North America, Europe and Asia are also well represented. However, it has only two locations in the Middle East and excludes popular places like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

Mullvad Server Spread

Here’s a list of Mullvad VPN’s server locations.

Mullvad VPN has a leaner server network than ExpressVPN, with 84 server locations in 47 countries. Europe has the most, with 43 locations, and North America comes in second, with 23 locations in three countries. There’s only one African and one Middle Eastern server.

Winner: ExpressVPN wins this round for having a bigger server network with better distribution than Mullvad VPN.

Security

ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN use AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, which are two of the most secure types of VPN encryption. These protocols make it nearly impossible for third parties to intercept your traffic. Here’s how the two VPNs’ security offerings compare.

VPN Protocols

ExpressVPN has three protocols. Lightway (UDP and TCP) offers the best speeds, IKEv2 offers stable connections that are ideal for mobile networks and OpenVPN is very secure.

Mullvad has two protocols. You can use WireGuard, which has the fastest speeds, or switch to OpenVPN if WireGuard doesn’t work for you — they’re equally secure. Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad have an “automatic” protocol option that picks the protocol that will work best for you.

To confirm that both VPNs actually protect online traffic, I ran protected data packets through the Wireshark app. All I saw in return was a series of symbols and numbers in place of my IP address, as shown in the screenshots below. This is proof that both Mullvad and ExpressVPN encrypt the data routed through their servers.

On top of this, neither VPN has experienced any security breaches that have left user data exposed. This is a vote of confidence for both contenders in this Mullvad VPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Winner: Both VPNs are very secure, with no history of breaches. However, ExpressVPN wins this round because it offers more protocols, which makes it more flexible and better for mobile use.

Privacy

The best virtual private networks need to ensure user data never falls into the wrong hands. Let’s see how Mullvad VPN and ExpressVPN compare in this regard.

Logging Policies

Mullvad VPN and ExpressVPN adhere to a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t store any browsing data. This is common for VPNs, but both of these providers have demonstrated the solidity of their zero-logging policies in other ways as well.

In 2023, the National Operations Department of the Swedish Police subjected Mullvad VPN to a search warrant. Mullvad’s offices in Gothenburg were raided and their devices were seized. However, the authorities found no data stored on any of them.

ExpressVPN found itself in a similar predicament in Turkey in 2017. The police seized some of its servers based on claims that an assassin had used ExpressVPN to hide his movements. However, the investigators didn’t find anything.

Both VPNs have also based their entire server networks on RAM servers, meaning user data is automatically cleared whenever the server reboots. Mullvad and ExpressVPN have both undergone independent audits to demonstrate the authenticity of their privacy policies and published the results.

An important aspect that makes Mullvad better for privacy is the option for anonymous signup. Instead of using an email address that can be traced back to you, Mullvad VPN generates an account number you can use to create an account and sign in whenever you want. 

You can also pay in cash by sending the actual money alongside the payment token in an envelope and sending it to Mullvad. I won’t be surprised if Mullvad uses pigeons too.

Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, while Mullvad VPN is based in Sweden. These two locations are governed by data privacy laws that don’t require companies to disclose users’ online movements to anyone. These data retention laws make the process of obtaining user data from either of these countries burdensome.

Winner: ExpressVPN and MullvadVPN have long-standing zero-logging policies and have switched to RAM-only servers. Authorities have raided both VPNs, and neither one gave up any user data. However, Mullvad VPN wins this round due to its anonymous signup option, which allows you to create an account without providing any personal information.

Streaming Capabilities

ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN are capable of unblocking geo-restricted streaming services and run fast enough for streaming 4K content. However, Mullvad couldn’t unblock Hulu or Max in my tests, as illustrated in the table below.

Does Mullvad Work With Netflix?

Mullvad VPN works with Netflix without issues. I unlocked the live-action ‘Gintama’ movie using a Japanese server and ‘NCIS’ using a U.S. server. The unblocking process was instant; I didn’t have to go through trial and error with different servers to find one that worked.

Does ExpressVPN Unblock Netflix?

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for accessing different Netflix libraries. I watched shows from as far away as Australia and limited shows from the United Kingdom that are unavailable in my location. With my 60 Mbps starting speed, every server provided more than enough speed to watch Netflix content in 4K without buffering.

Winner: ExpressVPN unblocked more streaming services than Mullvad VPN, so it wins this round.

Torrenting

The two most important aspects of a torrenting VPN are speed and security. The VPN needs to be fast enough to handle large downloads and secure enough to protect your identity from ISPs that might penalize you for torrenting.

ExpressVPN and Mullvad offer P2P support across all their servers so you can safely download and share large files. However, Mullvad doesn’t support port forwarding, while ExpressVPN supports port forwarding only on routers.

Port forwarding speeds up seeding, which makes downloads faster and allows peers to find you. However, it increases vulnerability to cyberattacks by creating a direct path between your devices and the network. 

ExpressVPN negates these security vulnerabilities on its routers by ensuring port forwarding takes place after your traffic exits the VPN tunnel. This stops attackers from unmasking your real IP address. However, the port-forwarded traffic isn’t encrypted .

Winner: Both VPNs support torrenting, but ExpressVPN wins this round due to offering port forwarding on routers.

Pricing: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN Cost

ExpressVPN costs more than Mullvad VPN and has three price plans. The cheapest plan costs $6.67 per month for 15 months, followed by a six-month plan that goes for $9.99 per month and a monthly plan that costs $12.95. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.

Mullvad VPN is a little different. When you open the pricing page, you’ll notice that all plans cost a uniform price of 5 euros per month (which is around $5.50 according to current exchange rates). Mullvad lets you load your account with as much credit as you want, then charges the equivalent of 5 euros every month until you run out of credit. Mullvad offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

So one year of ExpressVPN would cost $99.95, while one year of Mullvad VPN would cost 60 euros (around $65). This means Mullvad is significantly cheaper, and you’re not locked into an annual plan.

Does ExpressVPN Have a Free Trial?

Yes, ExpressVPN offers a free trial on iOS and Android devices. You need to download each app through the respective app store to access the free trial.

Does Mullvad Have a Free Trial?

No, Mullvad VPN doesn’t offer a free trial. The best you can do is use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you purchase a subscription.

Is Mullvad Free?

No, Mullvad VPN doesn’t have a free plan. However, it has a standardized price of 5 euros across all plans regardless of subscription length. 

Winner: Mullvad VPN wins this round, as it has cheaper and more straightforward price plans than ExpressVPN.

Customer Support

If you experience any issues with ExpressVPN, you can get help through the 24/7 live chat, the online help center or the direct support email. Live chat offers the fastest responses, while direct mail can take up to 48 hours. An FAQ section provides answers to the most common problems.

Mullvad VPN doesn’t have a live chat. You can send a message to support directly from the app or open the official website to access the FAQ section. However, when I tried to contact support, the response times were slower than with ExpressVPN.

Winner: ExpressVPN wins this round. It provides more customer support resources, such as live chat and tutorials, which makes getting support easier for users.

Conclusion: Why I Think ExpressVPN Wins Overall

ExpressVPN wins over Mullvad VPN because it has a bigger server network and makes unblocking content much easier. It’s able to access all major streaming services, including Hulu and Max, which Mullvad VPN couldn’t unblock.

Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with extra protocols, like IKEv2 and Lightway. This makes it more flexible than Mullvad, which offers only WireGuard and OpenVPN. ExpressVPN is also compatible with more devices and supports eight simultaneous connections — three more than Mullvad. Access to customer support is easier and faster on ExpressVPN, too.

1. 

   Overall Rating 9.1 / 10

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Is Mullvad a Good VPN? 

Despite ExpressVPN winning this comparison, yes, Mullvad is a good VPN. It’s secure, very private and has never experienced a breach. It also maintains fast download speeds, so it’s capable of streaming, torrenting and gaming without interruptions. The VPN is affordable, and it is compatible with devices like Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and Linux.

1. 

   Overall Rating 8.4 / 10

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Methodology: How I Compared ExpressVPN and Mullvad

When comparing these two VPNs, I paid attention to specific areas that best showcased their differences and similarities. 

• Security: I tested the encryption available on each service since there are many types, some of which are more secure than others. Both Mullvad and ExpressVPN passed my encryption and leak tests.
• Privacy: I investigated each VPN’s history to see whether they’ve ever had an incident involving cooperation with authorities. I also checked their logging policies and whether they’ve been independently audited.
• Key Features: I checked for the availability of features like split tunneling, kill switches and ad blockers, as well as anything that would make each VPN more secure beyond the standard encryption.
• Speed: I tested both VPNs to see how fast they were compared to my unprotected connection speeds, then compared their speed drops to see which was faster overall.
• Streaming Performance: I tried unblocking different restricted streaming sites using both VPNs and paid attention to how many attempts were required to get past the blocks.
• Plans and Pricing: I looked at the different price plans each VPN offers and how affordable they are. Another important aspect I considered was the duration of the money-back guarantee and the availability of free trials.
• Server Locations: I looked at the size of the server network each VPN provides and how well distributed they are across the globe.
• Compatibility and Usability: Finally, I tested each VPN to see how user-friendly they are and the number of devices with which they are compatible.

Other VPN Alternatives I Like

If neither ExpressVPN nor Mullvad VPN meets your needs, you can try some of the following alternatives.

1. NordVPN: Fast Speeds with Reliable Security
   

   Overall Rating 9.3 / 10

   Visit NordVPN
   $3.99 per month

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs thanks to the NordLynx protocol, which is a more private version of WireGuard. It also offers a large server network that includes specialty servers like double VPN. You can read more about it in our NordVPN review.

1. Surfshark: Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections
   

   Overall Rating 9.2 / 10

   Visit Surfshark
   $2.39 per month

If you’re on a budget and are looking for the best value for your money, consider Surfshark. It offers one of the most affordable long-term price plans and can connect an unlimited number of devices on one account. Read more about it in our Surfshark review.

1. Private Internet Access: Reliable Privacy
   

   Overall Rating 8.7 / 10

   Visit Private Internet Access
   $3.33 per month

You can expect reliable privacy and security when using PIA thanks to its secure protocols, which include the option of a Shadowsocks proxy. Its connections run quickly enough to handle streaming and gaming. Check out our Private Internet Access review for more details.

FAQ: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad

• Is Mullvad Better Than ExpressVPN?

  Mullvad is not better than ExpressVPN. Though Mullvad slightly outperformed ExpressVPN in terms of speed, ExpressVPN supports more devices, has a more user-friendly interface and is able to unblock a wider range of restricted content.

• What VPN Is Better Than ExpressVPN?

  NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN in many areas. It’s faster and cheaper, has a bigger server network, and offers up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

• What Is the Mullvad Controversy?

  Mullvad raised eyebrows when it campaigned against the European Union’s attempt to create regulations against child sexual abuse. These regulations would have forced VPN service providers to scan encrypted communications between users, which Mullvad vocally opposes.

• Is Mullvad VPN Any Good?

  Mullvad is a good VPN. It’s fast enough for streaming, gaming and torrenting, and secure enough to keep your online movements hidden. It has a solid privacy policy and has never experienced a breach.